High School Football America released its 2025 preseason 300 rankings this week, and nine North Carolina high school football teams made the list of the most elite programs in the nation.
Defending 4A state champion Grimsley, which checks in at No. 31, leads the way among representatives from the Old North State. The Whirlies went 16-0 last season and beat multiple teams on this HSFA 300 list during their title run.
Nationally, Mater Dei (California) begins the year at No. 1, followed by St. John Bosco (California) and Bishop Gorman (Nevada). Florida leads all states with 52 teams in the rankings, with Texas (38), Georgia (28) and California (25) rounding out the top four.
🔝 North Carolina Teams in the HSFA 300
Here’s a breakdown of the nine ranked teams from North Carolina, along with their 2024 ranking and key notes on last season:
No. 31 – Grimsley (Greensboro)
Up from No. 34 at the end of 2024. The 4A state champs return after a perfect 16-0 season and the top 2026 quarterback prospect in the nation (Faizon Brandon).
No. 61 – Providence Day (Charlotte)
Up from No. 63. NCISAA runner-up, fell to Rabun Gap (ranked No. 32) in the private schools state final.
No. 72 – Weddington (Matthews)
Down from No. 60. Went 13-1 in 2024, falling to Grimsley in the 4A West Region final.
No. 74 – Rolesville (Rolesville)
Up one spot from No. 73. Reached the 4A state title game, where they lost 35-23 to Grimsley.
No. 94 – Cardinal Gibbons (Raleigh)
Up from No. 108. Finished 12-2, losing to Rolesville in the 4A East Region final.
No. 95 – Hough (Cornelius)
Down from No. 76. Posted a 12-2 season, losing to Grimsley in the fourth round of the playoffs.
No. 129 – Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
Up from No. 134. Finished 10-3 after losing to Hough in round three of the 4A playoffs.
No. 253 – Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte)
Down slightly from No. 249. Finished 9-3 and exited in round three of the 2024 playoffs against Grimsley.
No. 261 – Independence (Charlotte)
Down slightly from No. 251. Wrapped up a 10-2 season with a second-round playoff loss to Hough.
🏈 Grimsley Looms Large
One theme in these rankings: Grimsley knocked out three of the other eight ranked NC teams in last year’s 4A playoffs. The Whirlies enter the 2025 campaign with a target on their back and a deep roster aiming to repeat.
Grimsley will play in the 7A classification in the new NCHSAA conference alignment this fall. So, too, will Cardinal Gibbons and Weddington. Charlotte Catholic will be 6A, while Rolesville, Mallard Creek and Hough will play in the largest classification, 8A.
🔗 Full HSFA 300 Rankings: Click here to view the entire list
📅 NC High School Football Scoreboard Hub: Visit our 2025 scoreboard page – scores and highlights start rolling in late August!
